New to skiing, which pass [beginner in Colorado]

I am very fortunate and work 2 weeks on and have 2 weeks off. For my two weeks off I spend it in Denver. I am going to learn how to ski this winter so I can continue to stay active and stay in shape. I know I am for sure going to need lessons and that is something that I am looking forward to. I am torn between Rocky Mountain Super Pass or the Loveland 3 ski class package plus season pass.

I would like variety because I have so much time off and go during the week and not have to deal with the weekend crowd as much, but I also want skiing to be enjoyable so I want to make sure to take lessons.

I am very fortunate and work 2 weeks on and have 2 weeks off. For my two weeks off I spend it in Denver. I am going to learn how to ski this winter so I can continue to stay active and stay in shape. I know I am for sure going to need lessons and that is something that I am looking forward to. I am torn between Rocky Mountain Super Pass or the Loveland 3 ski class package plus season pass.

I would like variety because I have so much time off and go during the week and not have to deal with the weekend crowd as much, but I also want skiing to be enjoyable so I want to make sure to take lessons.

Any help would be appreciated!

Tundra,
Welcome to epic!

First let me say how incredibly jealous I am of that work schedule. I always felt fortunate because I get every other Friday off by working 9 hour days instead of 8 hours. Well I should say schedule to work 9 hours. It usually ends up being closer to 12. Enough of my whining.

I'm afraid I can't help you on which pass to get but I can offer some other advice.

If you haven't already, check some of the other forums at this site. I think you'll find a ton of information for making you transition into skiing more enjoyable. Everything from what to expect the first day through rookie mistakes and how to make sure you have the right gear (clothes and such) for the area you are going to.

When you do pick an area, check to see who the epic ski ambassador is for that ski area and you should be able to get some insider information. There is also an area for Resort Guides here too with lots of information.

If you are going to be skiing that much, you might want to set aside some time and money to get your own boots from a shop that does boot fitting. Maybe use rentals the first day or two to make sure you like it, then get your own. I assure you it will make your time on snow WAY more enjoyable and your learning go faster. You should be able to get this done where you are skiing and there is the ask the boot guys forum here that list great boot fitters in all areas. There are other great ones that aren't on the list. They all get busy in the winter so you'll probably need an appointment, even during mod week.

Boots are the single most important piece of gear and ill fitting ones can ruin a day on the slopes and prevent being able to learn.

Have fun and welcome aboard,

Ken

P.S. To all of epic members, I got the mention of boot fitting done in the first reply

At first glance the RMSP is a no-brainer for the added terrain variety, but that Loveland 3 class pass deserves consideration and here's why: you get the three lessons, Loveland is closer to Denver, it has great open terrain for novices, it's often not too crowded. It's a cheap place to bring friends who are not season pass holders and want to join you just for a day now and then. There are relatively inexpensive motels within about 10 miles in case you stay in the mountains overnight sometimes. Having said that, there is no doubt a more advanced skier/boarder would probably prefer the RMSP for just a few bucks more to get access to two bigger mtns and because you may be doing a lot of your skiing on weekdays the traffic/extra distance might not be that big of a factor. However, if you got the Loveland pass and then desired more variety I believe it gives a number of free days at three other Colorado ski areas.

For another $20 than the RMSP, the Epic Local will give you Keystone/Breck/ABasin and a few days at Vail/BC, as well as access to the season lesson programs at Keystone or Breck (one or the other--they're not interchangeable).

Loveland man, it's a really good deal. You get 3 lessons, and when you are done you get a season pass. If you tried to mimic that with adding lessons to the RMSP you'd probably play about double. Loveland is really underrated, even if you progress quickly, you'll still be able to find terrain to challenge you.

Loveland man, it's a really good deal. You get 3 lessons, and when you are done you get a season pass. If you tried to mimic that with adding lessons to the RMSP you'd probably play about double. Loveland is really underrated, even if you progress quickly, you'll still be able to find terrain to challenge you.

That cost of $316 btw, is CHEAPER than buying a season pass with no lessons. I've even thought about taking that offer just to save $63 cuz I'm cheap lol

Another vote for the 3 class pass. A very good deal in skiing, and Loveland is a lovely place for all ability levels. Beginner bowl skiing is a rarity in the state, but Loveland offers tons of it and lot of progressively more difficult slopes to make easy transitions to tougher skiing.

What are you doing about gear? If you are sure that skiing is the sport for you, I would recommend investing in boots from a professional bootfitter. Do not buy skis yet, as the skis you like at the end of your first real year on snow will not be the ones you like at the beginning. But boots are very important. You cannot ski if you cannot control the ski, and you cannot ski through foot pain.

I think the Loveland pass/calsses makes the most sense to me as well. I figure if I do feel the need to go to another place I can look into a Keystone spring pass!

I found a pair of Rossignol temptation 82's that were in really good shape and good price. Plus, I figure if I am able to ski a good amount that I want to atleast use the same skis. That way I at least get use to one pair of skis for the entire season and travel with them when I go ski with my family at Red Lodge. I'm not too concerned about upgrading the skis for next year because the 82's were such a good deal and CO has great deals on used skis in general.

As far as clothes are concerned a lot of my backpacking clothes will work perfectly skiing. I understand baselayers for wicking, I have several mid layers, fleece, a down jacket, a shell jacket, 3 in 1 jacket, found some merino ski socks for dirt cheap. I should be covered for clothes. I just need to find some ski pants but there are some great deals happening in CO right now so I should be able to find some next week.

I am going to be in Denver next week so I will check out a bootfitter. The bootfitter seems to be a really good idea. I enjoy hiking and finding the right pair of shoes to hike in is important so I can understand how that works with skiing as well.

As outlined above, It's hard to go wrong with the pass options since you can ski during the week. I prefer the RMSP. The season lesson program is a good reason to consider the Epic Pass. Loveland is the best deal and a great mountain.

Will you want/need lessons beyond the three? If so, I'd think about one of the season lesson programs. Good problem to have... you'll have a fun winter!

Season lessons would be great but I am not sure if I can pull it off. I work 2 weeks in ND and 2 live in CO for my days off so I don't think I can commit to season lessons.

I will have to see where my ability is after 3 lessons. If I need to take another I will. If not I not where I want to be I will take another lesson.

I am looking at bootfitting and I am a little confused. Do i purchase my own boots and bring them in? Or, should I just go in and buy boots there

Don't buy boots first. You need to figure out what shell fits first. They will take out the liner and have you put your foot in the shell to see how well it fits you. From there you can purchase a liner and footbed. Most boot fitting places will give you a discount on the labor if you buy a boot from them, but they may not have any discounts on the boots as a result. I'm not a boot guy though, this is barely scraping the surface.

Don't buy boots first. You need to figure out what shell fits first. They will take out the liner and have you put your foot in the shell to see how well it fits you. From there you can purchase a liner and footbed. Most boot fitting places will give you a discount on the labor if you buy a boot from them, but they may not have any discounts on the boots as a result. I'm not a boot guy though, this is barely scraping the surface.

Once you get boots though you should be set for a long time. I wish I could say the same about ski's, but if you really get into the sport then you're gonna want a powder ski, then a bump ski, then maybe a race ski..... It doesn't end lol

Once you get boots though you should be set for a long time. I wish I could say the same about ski's, but if you really get into the sport then you're gonna want a powder ski, then a bump ski, then maybe a race ski..... It doesn't end lol

That is what I am afraid of! So I am trying to do things as close to right the first time around.

Like everyone else was saying, don't buy ski's.....yet. I'm just forewarning you about the addictive qualities of this sport. Here it's August, and I'm watching youtube videos of powder days at A-basin :p

Like everyone else was saying, don't buy ski's.....yet. I'm just forewarning you about the addictive qualities of this sport. Here it's August, and I'm watching youtube videos of powder days at A-basin :p

I already bought skis. Fortunately, they were on super sale and in really good condition. So if I am out the money I am ok with that. Live an learn!

I am very fortunate and work 2 weeks on and have 2 weeks off. For my two weeks off I spend it in Denver. I am going to learn how to ski this winter so I can continue to stay active and stay in shape. I know I am for sure going to need lessons and that is something that I am looking forward to. I am torn between Rocky Mountain Super Pass or the Loveland 3 ski class package plus season pass.

I would like variety because I have so much time off and go during the week and not have to deal with the weekend crowd as much, but I also want skiing to be enjoyable so I want to make sure to take lessons.

Any help would be appreciated!

Welcome to EpicSki! When are you thinking of getting onto the slopes? Midweek during early season you can often end up with a private lesson by taking a group lesson. Loveland starts snowmaking very early. Before schools are out for winter break, there won't be many people skiing except on weekends. Have you heard of WROD? White Ribbon of Death happens when there is too little snow on the slopes and too many people, including those who are just learning.

If you took a lesson at the beginning of each two week ski period, you would be less likely to develop bad habits. Well worth the investment.

These could come in handy on days when storms make Loveland less than lovely.

This is an excellent idea. This way I can add another area to ski! Thank you for the link

Quote:

Originally Posted by marznc

Welcome to EpicSki! When are you thinking of getting onto the slopes? Midweek during early season you can often end up with a private lesson by taking a group lesson. Loveland starts snowmaking very early. Before schools are out for winter break, there won't be many people skiing except on weekends. Have you heard of WROD? White Ribbon of Death happens when there is too little snow on the slopes and too many people, including those who are just learning.

If you took a lesson at the beginning of each two week ski period, you would be less likely to develop bad habits. Well worth the investment.

Have you read any threads in the Beginner Zone?

My schedule is going to be a bit crazy in October to mid November so I am guessing beginning of December is when I have extra time. Hopefully, I can avoid WROD.

I have been through a good chunk of the threads in Beginner Zone. I am still learning the features of the site and how to navigate. So for I have found really good info!

Season lessons would be great but I am not sure if I can pull it off. I work 2 weeks in ND and 2 live in CO for my days off so I don't think I can commit to season lessons.

I will have to see where my ability is after 3 lessons. If I need to take another I will. If not I not where I want to be I will take another lesson.

I am looking at bootfitting and I am a little confused. Do i purchase my own boots and bring them in? Or, should I just go in and buy boots there?

Buy boots there. They will make sure you get a shell that fits your foot.

Out of curiosity are you working for one of the oil companies? 2 weeks on 2 weeks off is a sick work schedule if you are most of the companies I talked to out there want you working 20 days on 10 days off.

Buy boots there. They will make sure you get a shell that fits your foot.

Out of curiosity are you working for one of the oil companies? 2 weeks on 2 weeks off is a sick work schedule if you are most of the companies I talked to out there want you working 20 days on 10 days off.

I work for a salt water disposal so not directly for an oil company but in the oil field. It is hard to find jobs with my schedule but if you look around for a bit you can find one.